Houston's most influential sports figures (2012-2014)

July 24, 2014

Brett Coomer/Chronicle

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2013

5. Gary Kubiak, Texans coach
Age: 51.
Last year: 7.
Why he matters: He’s the head coach of the city’s flagship franchise, that’s why. He holds the reins of a team, seemingly finally on the cusp of greatness, that has sold out every game since its inception despite plenty of grumbling from the fans.
Defining moment: The Texans got off to an 11-1 start last year, a run that included a 43-13 rout of the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens.
Staying power: Only three coaches have longer tenures with their current NFL teams – and two of them, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, have won multiple Super Bowls – which speaks to Bob McNair’s patient ownership style and his personal affection for Kubiak. But a step backward this season, or even a sideways stumble, figures to doom Houston’s only home-grown head coach.

Brett Coomer/Chronicle

16of33

2013

5. Gary Kubiak, Texans coach
Age: 51.
Last year: 7.
Why he matters: He’s the head coach of the city’s flagship franchise, that’s why. He holds the reins of a team, seemingly finally on the cusp of greatness, that has sold out every game since its inception despite plenty of grumbling from the fans.
Defining moment: The Texans got off to an 11-1 start last year, a run that included a 43-13 rout of the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens.
Staying power: Only three coaches have longer tenures with their current NFL teams – and two of them, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, have won multiple Super Bowls – which speaks to Bob McNair’s patient ownership style and his personal affection for Kubiak. But a step backward this season, or even a sideways stumble, figures to doom Houston’s only home-grown head coach.